It is one year since my ileostomy reversal and almost 2 years since a rectal resection. My surgeon so far has said nothing about removing the stitching that held my rectum together after surgery. Apparently, this is sometimes removed; sometimes not. I have no idea which is better. Does anyone have any experience with this?

My surgeon used titanium staples for my internal reattachment, and they're permanent. I don't think any of those staples are intended to be removed - they'd have to open you back up to do it, with all the associated risks of surgery. I've never heard of anyone having internal staples or stitches removed.

beth568 wrote:My surgeon used titanium staples for my internal reattachment, and they're permanent. I don't think any of those staples are intended to be removed - they'd have to open you back up to do it, with all the associated risks of surgery. I've never heard of anyone having internal staples or stitches removed.

You are right. At my one-year follow-up today, I asked the surgeon about this. He said that titanium staples can be safely maintained in the body indefinitely and it is rare for any problem to develop. He said that they do not interfere with airport or other scanning devices. I had been a bit concerned, because someone at ColonClub recently mentioned having internal staples removed to solve a problem that developed.

Bob_Weiss wrote: I had been a bit concerned, because someone at ColonClub recently mentioned having internal staples removed to solve a problem that developed.

Sutures are usually the self absorbing type. Staples, as you mention, rarely cause problems ( very, very rarely to "never" migrate due to healing ) are essentially non reactive in the body, and being nonferrous metal (titanium)...are not an issue with magnetic fields (MRI) but being metal, will be visible on imaging.Yes, I asked all these questions too !Cheers

Caregiver twiceStage IV A rectal cancer/lung met9 Year survivormy life is an ongoing NONrandomized UNcontrolled experiment with N=1 !Review of my Journey so far

I'm not sure about my rectum, but I do have titanium screws holding my head together. They have never been a problem going through the airports, but I did once ask my neurosurgeon about it (ie should I carry a special card stating I have these special screws). He said no, people can make up phony cards to say anything. If there ever is an issue, just show them your scar . You can't fake that . Because of my 2 surgeries there, I have a major indentation in my skull.

Lee wrote:I'm not sure about my rectum, but I do have titanium screws holding my head together...

Lee

Nothing holds my head together, and when I try to explain to the nice TSA agent that the scissors belong to Harvey, well they look at me in the oddest way. I don't see the problem, I bought him a seat and he needs to keep his pink fur trimmed...

Lee wrote:I'm not sure about my rectum, but I do have titanium screws holding my head together...

Lee

Nothing holds my head together, and when I try to explain to the nice TSA agent that the scissors belong to Harvey, well they look at me in the oddest way. I don't see the problem, I bought him a seat and he needs to keep his pink fur trimmed...

sorry Lee, I couldn't resist

O.K. who's Harvey???

Last I heard, scissors were O.K. (I believe up to 4") to take on the plane now. I will be honest, I leave my best ostomy scissors at home and have another set I take on the plane SO IF INCASE I run into an TSA worker who is is NOT up to date on current rules and regs. I don't want to miss a flight argueing with a TSA on what I can (and can not) bring on the plane with me.